Nationwide test of Emergency Alert System to take place Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m.

(November 8, 2011) The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS, will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public.

EAS alerts, such as weather threats, child abductions and other emergencies, are broadcast through television, radio, satellite, cable and internet services. The EAS test will not involve mobile communications devices.

There may be some differences in what consumers may see – or hear – during this first, nationwide EAS test being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

During the test, the public will hear “This is a test…” Audio messages will be the same; however, video text messages may differ. The test is expected to last three minutes.

Tomorrow’s test will not affect the regularly scheduled, weekly test of the City of Frisco’s Outdoor Warning Sirens, which happens at noon on Wednesdays unless there is inclement weather.